ASTM D1051-08 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves

The standard “ASTM D1051-08 Standard specification for rubber insulating sleeves” published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) describes the requirements for manufacturing and testing rubber insulating sleeves to protect workers from electric shock.

Two types of sheaths are provided in this standard:

• Type I, non-ozone resistant
• Type II, ozone resistant

Five sheath classes with different electrical properties are defined and are called Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4.

Two types of sleeves that differ in configuration are identified and are called Style A, straight tapered, and Style B, curved elbow.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Colour splash refers to a splash, spot or line of contrasting colour evident on the inside or outside of sleeves, deposited during the dripping process and vulcanised to the sleeve as part of the homogeneous compound.
• Halogenation treatment refers to exposing the entire sleeve surface area to a halogen for the purpose of reducing surface friction.
• User means the employer or organization that purchases equipment to be used for the protection of workers. In the absence of such an employer or organization, the person who purchases and uses the protective equipment.
• For definitions of other terms, the “ASTM F819-10 Standard test methods for measuring straightness of rod, bar, tube, and wire to be used for medical devices” standard is followed.

This standard specifies the minimum electrical, chemical and physical properties guaranteed by the manufacturer and the detailed procedures by which these properties are determined. The purchaser may, at his option, perform or have performed any of these tests to verify the warranty. Any claims for non-conformance to specification are subject to verification by the manufacturer.

Sleeves are used for personal protection, therefore, when permitting their use, a safety margin must be allowed between the maximum voltage at which they are used and the test voltage at which they are tested. The relationship between the test voltage and the maximum voltage at which the sleeves are to be used is shown in the table given in the standard.

Operating practices vary from user to user depending on many factors. These may include, but are not limited to, operating system voltages, construction design, operating procedure techniques, weather conditions, and similar factors. Therefore, use and maintenance of this equipment, except as specified in this standard due to design limitations, is outside the scope of this standard.

It is the general practice and responsibility of users of such equipment to prepare complete instructions and regulations governing the correct and safe use of such protective equipment.

Barrels covered by this standard are designated as Type I or Type II or Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4 or Style A or Style B.

Type I are sleeves made of a high grade cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound of natural or synthetic origin that is not ozone resistant and suitably vulcanized.

Type II are ozone resistant casings constructed from any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds.

The class definition is based on the electrical properties shown in the table given in the standard.

Style A is a straight tapered design.

Style B is a curved elbow design.

In this standard, chemical and physical requirements are explained as follows:

• Sleeve test material taken from sample sleeves selected in accordance with this standard shall comply with the physical requirements and accelerated ageing in the table.
• In case of dispute, identification of the rubber polymer in Type I sleeves should be made in accordance with the standard.
• Type II sleeve material shall not show visible effects from ozone when tested in accordance with the standard. Any visible signs of ozone degradation of the sleeve material, such as shrinkage, cracking, breaking, pitting, etc., shall be considered evidence of failure to meet the requirements for Type II sleeves.

In this standard, the electrical requirements are described as follows:

• A test is applied to each sleeve and this test is based on the 60 Hz AC test voltage (RMS value) or DC test voltage (average value) specified in the table. The test is carried out in accordance with the standard. The voltage is applied continuously for 3 minutes.
• The sample sleeve material selected in accordance with the standard shows a 6 Hz dielectric strength of at least 50 MV/m of sample thickness for each test when tested between 14,8 mm disk electrodes with rounded edges to a radius of 60 mm.

Sample cuffs selected in accordance with the standard in terms of dimensions and permissible variations shall remain within the thickness limits specified in the table when measured in accordance with the standard. Sample cuffs selected in accordance with the standard shall remain within the size limits specified in the table for each size and style when measured in accordance with the standard. Variations in cuff length and wrist dimensions are acceptable when required to meet special physical requirements. The cuffs shall have a uniform taper, as this is important due to the emergence of dry form electrical tests.

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